 |
| WATCH THE VIDEO! |
I hope you enjoy watching the video!
See you in the next post!
Loved it and want more?
Contents page: Explore all of my blog posts in one place!
Showing off my new combined Filofax and TN planner setup (video)
I hope you enjoy watching the video!
See you in the next post!
How I'm combining my new slimline Filofax with my Midori Traveler's Notebook.
If you're struggling to choose between a Filofax or ring-bound planner and a Traveler's Notebook keep reading to find out how I combine the two systems by using a slimline Filofax ...
What I use my Traveler's Notebook for
Sometimes I journal about my thoughts, feelings and experiences in a deep and reflective way, but a lot of the time I just write about mundane things like what I did today and who annoyed me.
My journal is like my best friend, only better. I go to it for non-judgmental consolation. It helps me to organise my thoughts, understand myself better and live a happier and more productive life.
Because Traveler's Notebook covers can carry more than one notebook, I also have notebooks in there to jot down creative ideas for stories, characters, scenes and creative projects, because I'm a writer. I like to make lists and doodle too.
Why I swapped my Filofax for a TN
When I discovered the Midori Traveler's Notebook I abandoned all of my Filofaxes because I felt that my attention was too divided, and that my Filofaxes were preventing me from bonding with my gorgeous new leather TN notebook.
The main appeal of the Midori for me is that it is a very personal possession which will grow with me, gaining more and more personality as I handle leather, acquiring all the wonderful nicks and marks that make TNs so unique.
I wanted to use my Midori exclusively, so I sold most of my Filofaxes and designed a weekly planner in one of the Midori Notebook Refills instead. This was a mistake by the way – NEVER sell all of your Filofaxes, you WILL regret it eventually. Just store them away somewhere safe.
After a while I found that whilst bound notebooks are perfect for journaling, sketching, scrapbooking and jotting things down due to the chronological nature and subsequently more 'permanent' vibe, I really missed the 'organisational' aspect of having rings and being able to move things around as I planned my weekly schedule and daily tasks.
The problem I faced was that I didn't necessarily want to carry my Midori Traveler's Notebook AND a bulky Filofax - if you are a lover of the Filofax you'll know exactly how bulky and cumbersome they tend to get!
I needed a Filofax that was discrete enough to complement my TN and create a perfect and complete portable system.
How I solved my problem by combining a slimline Filofax with a TN
The main problem was that while I wanted the use of a Filofax 'ring-bound' system for my everyday planning, I didn't want to start using a Filofax that would end up stuffed and take over from my TN.
I was lucky enough to find the perfect solution on Ebay ...
I discovered (and won the bid, so it was obviously meant to be) the slimmest and most discrete Filofax I have ever seen in my life.
It is an old vintage Filofax so it doesn't have the model name or type embossed on it, but it does have the 'f' symbol embossed on the side and 'Filofax, Made in England, Real Calf' printed in gold inside the back cover. So it's definitely a Filofax!
It is really good quality, durable black grainy leather with a slight sheen, and the rings are SO dinky because it's a 'slimline' – about 1 cm.
It sits perfectly on top of my Midori Traveler's Notebook and I have bound them together with a large clip that also acts as a pen holder.
Why this Filofax/TN setup is so great
I love the flexibility and organisational aspect of being able to use the ring-bound system of the Filofax planner to move inserts around when I am doing my daily, weekly and monthly planning.
I also love the fixed chronology and sense of permanency I get from the TN with bound notebooks for journalling, doodling, sketching etc.
I had toyed with the idea of trying to find a way to attach rings to the inside of the Midori, and I know that this has been done with Filofax Flex notebook binders, but I couldn't bring myself to go that far. I knew that I needed a Filofax that I would be happy carrying alongside my Midori, and this slimline fits the bill perfectly.
What is it like to have tiny rings in a Filofax?
Normally I would definitely NOT be able to deal with having such tiny rings in a Filofax, especially if I were using the Filofax as my main organiser – I like to really stuff them! So you may be wondering how I am dealing with such tiny rings.
The truth is that they force me to use the Filofax specifically for what I intended – a day-to-day planner for the here-and-now. The small rings encourage me not to carry around a load of inserts that I'm not really using on a daily basis.
I used to carry a whole year's worth of diary planning inserts, plus extra paper, and it just wasn't necessary. It actually made me feel less productive because my Filofax became less focused and less organised. As a result I felt increasingly overwhelmed.
Now I reserve my Midori TN for all of the creative stuff, and I use the FF ring-bound system purely for planning.
I really do love the tiny rings. Because the appeal of the slimline Filofax is its portability and slim profile there is no desire to stuff it. When there is too much paper in there it starts to become more difficult and less enjoyable to physically use, so you have no choice but to take a few sheets out so that the pages can move more freely again.
This is a good reminder of when it's time to declutter. I regularly re-evaluate what I really need, taking out inserts that are no longer useful.
This minimal set-up is helping me to stay more focused and I have a much clearer idea of what I need to do next, which means I don't feel as stressed.
I design my own inserts and only draw up a month or two at a time. I intend to remove and archive the months as I go.
I have to say there is something very satisfying about minimalism, and only using what you need.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading about my new Filofax and TN combined setup, and that it has inspired you to think about how you use your own planning and journaling tools.
As always, please head down to the comments section and leave your thoughts, I love to read and respond to all comments!
Intrigued by what it looks like to use these two beauties together? Watch my video where I show you my secret trick to help them both together.
See you in the next post!
Loved it and want more?
What do you use your Midori Traveler's Notebook for?
 |
| Feel free to pin or share this image with a link back to the blog, thanks. |
If you are anything like me, then you probably get great pleasure out of finding out how other people use their Midori Traveler's Notebooks. So I have decided to share with you a few ideas...
The GREAT thing about Midori Traveler's Notebooks...
...is that you can refill them with notebook refills that are cheap to buy and easy to make yourself.
If you make your own you can make your notebook refills with any number of pages to suit your individual needs. The less pages you decide to have in each notebook refill, the more refills you can fit into your TN and the quicker you can get through each notebook – which personally I find quite satisfying :)
It's also convenient if you're still getting used to your Midori TN, and you're still not entirely sure how you want to use it. You can try out different refill designs for a short time without feeling anxious about waste.
TN refill ideas
There must be an infinite number of ways you can use your TN refills.
You can get so many ideas just by browsing other people's blogs, chatting to other Midori Traveler's Notebook users on Facebook, or just thinking about your personal interests and looking at stationery online.
Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing ...
Dream journal
If you're a vivid dreamer, recording your dreams might be a fun way of looking into your subconscious and working through desires and fears.
If you keep your Midori, Traveler's Notebook by your bedside, when you wake up first thing in the morning you'll be able to quickly recall details of your dreams and record them.
This can assist a very interesting and personal journey. You should try it!
It might also help you to develop an emotional connection or relationship with your journal, which is what all of us Midori fans strive to do through personalisation.
Doodle book
If you like to let your pen wander aimlessly across the backs of envelopes when you are on the phone, maybe you should consider keeping a doodle book.
Who knows, each page could turn into wonderful abstract pieces of art!
Doodling is also a wonderful mindful exercise that can help you to unwind.
Brainstorming pad
Everybody has a preferred way of taking notes to remind themselves of ideas for shopping lists, blog posts and other things.
Why not try brainstorming as a free and visual way of generating ideas?
Dedicate a notebook refill to your brainstorming– it'll encourage you to use this open form of note-taking and reap the rewards.
The best thing about brainstorms is that it is easy to add onto your ideas any time, linking ideas together and seeing where you end up!
TIP: Use your notebook horizontally for more space!
Stamp or sticker collection
People who like to collect things things might enjoy dedicating a TN notebook refill to collecting, say stamps, stickers, receipts, lists ... it's up to you!
Recipes ideas
How about a notebook dedicated to yummy recipes?
It can accompany you to the supermarket when you go, and then you can take it out to make space for something else when you know you won't be doing any shopping!
What inventive ways do you use your Midori Traveler's Notebook refills? Tell me in the comments below ...
See you in the next post!
Loved it and want more?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)